This is a very well kept historical marker in front of the most beautiful court house.read more

Located on one side of the Square in downtown Paris, this marker provides the history of the big…read morefire that destroyed much of the city in 1916. The marker is in excellent condition and is easy to read. There is metered street parking nearby and some lots. The marker reads, "Although Paris was founded in the mid-1840s, many of its historic structures were lost in a fire that destroyed almost half the town in 1916. The blaze started about five o'clock on the afternoon of March 21, 1916, at the S. J. Long Warehouse near the southwest city limits. Its cause is unknown, but one theory is that a spark from a switch engine ignited dry grass near the warehouse. Winds estimated at 50 miles per hour soon blew the fire out of control as it burned a funnel-shaped path to the northeast edge of Paris. "Firemen from Bonham, Cooper, Dallas, Honey Grove, and Hugo, Okla., helped the Paris Fire Department battle the flames, which were visible up to 40 miles away. The blaze destroyed most of the central business district and swept through a residential area before it was controlled at about sunrise on March 22. "Property damage from the fire was estimated at $11,000,000. The structures burned included the Federal Building and post office, Lamar County Courthouse and Jail, City Hall, most commercial buildings, and several churches. Rebuilding was begun quickly as townspeople collected relief funds and opened their homes to the victims. A railroad and market center before the disaster, Paris soon regained its former prosperity." This is marker number 8216 and it was erected in 1976 by the Texas Historical Commission. [Review 715 of 2024 - 477 in Texas - 21746 overall]

Perfect pizza in downtown Paris, Texas, across from a most beautiful Lamar County Courthouse…read more The interiors were minimalist and clean in the dining room; and the restroom had prohibition memorabilia. Apparently, Paris Brewing is the first brewery in Paris since the 1870s. Madison was our server and she was very helpful. We ordered two of the pizzas; one with half and half White Pizza and Amazing Grace, and one with half and half Brisky Business and The McGlasson. Amber greeted us at the front counter and asked how our meal was and she reacted enthusiastically when we talked about how good the pizza was. We also had the homemade pesto and it was exceptional. I would like to return and try some of the sandwiches that sounded so delicious.

Stopped in at lunch time and had a flight of their beers. The hatch chili version of the GoldTimer…read morewas so smooth. Not overly "hatchy"! All four of the beers we had were very well done. Nothing overdone. I am not a beer snob but totally appreciate a well done brew that is just delicious. The staff was attentive and friendly, prices very fair and while we didn't eat, the food all looked and smelled great. Absolutely worth a stop if you are in the area.